Amusement device having time-based operating modes

ABSTRACT

An amusement device has a display and an input device and includes a memory and a controller. The memory stores a plurality of games and a system control program. The controller is operatively coupled to the memory, the input device and the display. The controller controls the display based upon the system control program retrieved from the memory and based upon inputs from the input device. The controller is configured to grant a user a block of time for accessing the amusement device; permit the user to selectively retrieve from the memory and play a first game from the plurality of games during the block of time; and permit the user to selectively retrieve from the memory and play a second game from the plurality of games that is different than the first game during the block of time.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of co-pending U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 60/503,245, filed Sep. 16, 2003, entitled“Amusement Device Having Time-Based Operating Modes,” the disclosure ofwhich is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to an amusement device and, moreparticularly, relates to an amusement device having time-based operatingmodes.

Amusement devices, such as game machines, which allow a user to selectgames from a video display are well known in the art such as thosedisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,856,787 (Itkis); U.S. Pat. No. 5,575,717(Houriet, Jr. et al.); U.S. Pat. No. 5,743,799 (Houriet, Jr. et al.),the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein, each ofwhich shows a touchscreen display for making a game selection from amenu of games. Such game machines or amusement devices typically operateupon input of currency (i.e., coin, token, paper money, credit/debitcards and the like) and are installed in bars, restaurants, airports,shopping malls, video arcades and the like. The game choices may includecard games, sports games, games of skill, games of chance, action games,trivia games and the like.

Amusement devices which operate upon input of currency (either coin,token or paper money) typically track machine usage in a meter.Typically, each currency input creates a pulse which sequentiallyadvances the meter or each currency input grants a predetermined numberof game play credits and the meter is advanced by the granted number ofplay credits.

Some amusement devices are capable of being set to provide bonus creditsfor additional currency inputs. For example, a gaming machine may be setto grant one game per quarter, but will grant five games per dollar (abonus credit of one game). A user may deposit a dollar bill, forexample, and receive five credits, but each selected game may onlyrequire one credit to play. Thus, the user is left with a balance offour unused credits after selecting a single game to play. Also, somegames are configured to award bonus credits for winning the high scoreduring a game or for some other predetermined event. In that case a usermay be left with a balance of credits that exceeds the original numberof credits paid for by the user.

Some regulatory agencies, state or local, have “gaming” regulationswhich do not permit games to have a remaining balance of credit inexcess of some regulated predetermined value, such as one credit. Theintent of such regulations is to minimize possible illicit uses ofamusement devices such as for illegal gambling and the like. However, asa result of such regulations, an owner or operator of an amusementdevice may lose revenue because users may need to be refunded change forthe credits immediately or higher prices may be charged for a game. Forexample, instead of charging twenty five cents per game (one credit),the owner/operator may charge fifty cents or a dollar per game so thatthere would be no refunds required and one or less credits remaining atthe end of a user's game.

It is desirable to provide an amusement device configured to operate ina time based mode. Further, it is desirable to provide an amusementdevice configured to operate in a time based mode where a block of timemay be purchased in advance so that a user may switch between differentgames and activities during the block of time. Even further, it isdesirable to provide an amusement device configured to operate in a timebased mode where a user may switch between different games andactivities for as long as they desire or until a predetermined period oftime has elapsed thereby causing the user to be billed for the timeretroactively.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly stated, the present invention comprises an amusement device thathas a display and an input device and that includes a memory and acontroller. The memory stores a plurality of games and a system controlprogram. The controller is operatively coupled to the memory, the inputdevice and the display. The controller controls the display based uponthe system control program retrieved from the memory and based uponinputs from the input device. The controller is configured to grant auser a block of time for accessing the amusement device; permit the userto selectively retrieve from the memory and play a first game from theplurality of games during the block of time; and permit the user toselectively retrieve from the memory and play a second game from theplurality of games that is different than the first game during theblock of time.

The present invention also comprises a method of playing an amusementdevice having a display, an input device, a memory that stores aplurality of games and a system control program, and a controlleroperatively coupled to the memory, the input device and the display. Thecontroller controls the display based upon the system control programretrieved from the memory and based upon inputs from the input device.The method includes granting a user a block of time for accessing theamusement device; selecting and playing a first game from the pluralityof games during the block of time; and selecting and playing a secondgame from the plurality of games that is different than the first gameduring the block of time.

The present invention also comprises an amusement device having adisplay and an input device. The amusement device includes a memory thatstores a plurality of games and a system control program and acontroller operatively coupled to the memory, the input device and thedisplay. The controller controls the display based upon the systemcontrol program retrieved from the memory and based upon inputs from theinput device. The controller is configured to grant a user a block oftime for accessing the amusement device; permit the user to selectivelyretrieve from the memory and play a first game from the plurality ofgames during the block of time; and allow the user to continue to playthe first game continuously until the block of time expires.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description ofpreferred embodiments of the invention, will be better understood whenread in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose ofillustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings embodimentswhich are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, thatthe invention is not limited to the precise arrangements andinstrumentalities shown. In the drawings:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an amusement device having time basedoperating modes in accordance with the preferred embodiments of thepresent invention;

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of another amusement device having timebased operating modes in accordance with the preferred embodiments ofthe present invention;

FIG. 2 is a screen shot of a main menu setup screen in accordance withthe preferred embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a screen shot of a credits menu setup screen in accordancewith the preferred embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a screen shot of an options menu setup screen in accordancewith the preferred embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a screen shot of the options menu setup screen of FIG. 4 witha coinless mode feature enabled;

FIG. 6 is a screen shot of an options menu setup screen in accordancewith a second preferred embodiment of the present invention with arental mode enabled;

FIG. 7 is a screen shot of a coinless mode setup screen in accordancewith the preferred embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a screen shot of a set pin setup screen in accordance with thepreferred embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a screen shot of a payment mode setup screen in accordancewith the first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a screen shot of a payment mode setup screen in accordancewith the first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a screen shot of a user message screen in accordance with thefirst preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a screen shot of an attendant reset screen in accordance withthe first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a screen shot of an attendant reset pin entry screen inaccordance with the first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a screen shot of a user options screen in accordance with thepreferred embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a screen shot of a user start time mode screen in accordancewith the first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a screen shot of a user select mode screen in accordance withan alternate of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a screen shot of a user main menu screen in accordance withthe preferred embodiments of the present invention showing the timeremaining;

FIG. 18 is another screen shot of the user main menu screen displayingthe amount owed; and

FIG. 19 is a screen shot of a user options screen for ending play inaccordance with the preferred embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the drawings, like numerals are used to indicate like elementsthroughout. Referring to the drawings in detail, FIG. 1A shows a firstamusement device 26 having time based operating modes in accordance withthe preferred embodiments of the present invention. The amusement device26 includes a controller U1 and a memory U2. The amusement device 26further includes a video display 27 which is operatively connected tothe amusement device controller U1. FIG. 1B shows another or secondamusement device 36 having time based operating modes in accordance withthe preferred embodiments of the present invention. The second amusementdevice 36 also includes a controller U1 and a memory U2. The secondamusement device 14 also includes a video display 17. Preferably, thevideo displays 27, 37 are touchscreen video displays 27, 37 configuredto accept touch input. The first amusement device 26 is a free-standingor floor-standing apparatus, whereas the second amusement device 36 is atable-top or counter-top apparatus. However, the amusement devices 26,36 may be arranged in any configuration including table mount, wallmount, pole mount and the like without departing from the invention.

The amusement device 26, 36 may optionally include, or be connected to,a currency accepter 28, 38 such as a coin acceptor, a bill acceptor, acard reader and the like, for accepting monetary or other types ofcredit.

FIGS. 1A-1B show that other input devices which may be connected to theamusement devices 26, 36 include a track-ball or touchpad T, a mouse M,a joy-stick J, a foot-pedal F, a voice recognition system V, a keypad Kor keyboard K and the like. Preferably, the input device is thetouchscreen display 37.

Each amusement device 26, 36 is a stand-alone computer system controlledby the controller or microprocessor U1, the memory U2, a communicationsdriver (not labeled) and a touchscreen video display driver (notlabeled). For purposes of simplicity, the invention will be describedwith respect to the amusement device 36 throughout the remainder of thedescription, but it should be noted that the present invention could beimplemented with any variety of amusement devices 26, 36 withoutdeparting from the spirit of the invention.

The memory U2 stores a plurality of games and a system control program.The controller U1 is operatively coupled to the memory U2, the inputdevice and the display 37 (i.e., the touchscreen display 37). Thecontroller U1 controls the touchscreen display 37 based upon the systemcontrol program retrieved from the memory U2 and based upon inputs fromthe input device in this case the touchscreen display 37. As usedherein, the system control program refers to all of the softwarefunctions outside of the game or music files including an operatingsystem, display control, input control, sound drivers and the like. Thecontroller U1 is configured to grant a user a block of time foraccessing the amusement device 36; permit the user to selectivelyretrieve from the memory U2 and play a first game from the plurality ofgames during the block of time; and permit the user to selectivelyretrieve from the memory U2 and play a second game from the plurality ofgames that is different than the first game during the block of time.The user may repeat this process of selecting another game as many timesas they desire as long as there is time remaining in the block of time.

The amusement device 36 includes an operating mode (FIGS. 11-19) and asetup mode (FIGS. 2-10). When the operating mode is selected, a playeror user is selectively permitted to play games. When the setup mode isselected, the owner/operator is permitted to make system setupadjustments. To switch from the operating mode to the setup mode, a modeselector pushbutton (hardware not shown) is provided that is typicallyconcealed from the users. The mode selector pushbutton may beimplemented as a hidden software feature, but preferably the modeselector pushbutton is a simple pushbutton that is disposed inside ahousing of the amusement device 36.

In a first preferred embodiment, the controller U1 grants the user theblock of time in advance of a payment or a credit by the user. Thecontroller U1 must receive an authorization prior to granting the blockof time. For example, the authorization may be one of a pin code entry,card code data, a network signal and a remote control signal.Preferably, the authorization is by way of a pin code or passwordentered in a software keypad 212 (FIG. 13). For example, a user may becharged a flat rate of say $2.50 to play as many games as they like forsay fifteen minutes of play time. The rate for the block of time and theamount or duration of the block of time are preferably adjustable by theowner/operator of the amusement device 36.

In a second preferred embodiment, the controller U1 grants the user theblock of time only after a payment or a credit by the user. So, a userdeposits money or credits in a known way such as by depositing money inthe currency acceptor 38 or a card reader 28, and then the user isgranted an associated amount or block of time to play games. Forexample, a user may put in $0.25 and get two minutes of play time, orthe user may deposit $0.50 and get five minutes of play time or the usermay deposit $1.00 and get twelve minutes of play time. The ratios of thedurations of the blocks of time and the monetary values associatedtherewith are preferably adjustable by the owner or operator of theamusement device 36.

In any of the preferred time-based embodiments, a user is permitted toplay as many games as they desire during a block of time. The user neednot play a game through until it ends. If the user gets bored with aparticular game or desires to play a different game, the user may exitthe game and choose another game so long as there is time remaining inthe block of time. Optionally, when the block of time expires, the usermay keep playing the game they were playing at the expiration of theblock of time until the game is over based on the rules of the game.Optionally, the amusement device may prompt the user to purchase anothertime block just before the current time block expires.

The owner/operator of the amusement device 36, selects the setup mode byusing the mode selector pushbutton, as mentioned above. Once in thesetup mode, the owner/operator can configure the amusement device usingsetup screens (FIGS. 2-10) as will be described hereinafter.

FIG. 2 is a screen shot of a main menu setup screen 100 in accordancewith all the preferred embodiments of the present invention. The mainmenu setup screen 100 includes a plurality of menu buttons 102 a-102 kfor selecting other setup screens such as a credits menu screen 110(FIG. 3) thereby permitting the owner/operator to navigate among thesetup screens 110, 120, 130, 140, etc. The menu buttons 102 a-102 kinclude a credits/pricing menu button 102 a, a games menu button 102 b,a hi scores menu button 102 c, a books menu button 102 d, a system menubutton 102 e, a diagnostics menu button 102 f, a Tournament menu button102 g, a credit card menu button 102 h, a presentation menu button 102i, a promotion menu button 102 j and a Net menu button 102 k. Byselecting, for example, the credits/pricing menu button 102 a, a creditsmenu screen 110 (FIG. 3) is displayed. The main menu setup screen 100also includes some common navigation buttons, i.e., common to all of thesetup screens, such as a back button “<” which goes back to the previousor last screen and an exit button “X” for exiting back to the operatingmode.

FIG. 3 is a screen shot of the credits menu setup screen 110 inaccordance with all of the preferred embodiments of the presentinvention. The credits menu setup screen 110 includes a main menu button101 for going back to the main menu setup screen 100. The credits menusetup screen 110 includes a plurality of other menu buttons 110 a-110 efor selecting other credits menu screens 120, 130, 140 and the like. Themenu buttons 110 a-110 e include an options menu button 110 a, a rentalmode button 110 b, a set value of credit menu button 110 c, a coin-inmenu button 110 d and a quick price setup 110 e. By selecting theoptions menu button 110 a, an options menu screen 120 (FIGS. 4-6) isdisplayed. By selecting the rental mode menu button 110 b, a rental modemenu screen 150 (FIG. 9) is displayed. By selecting the set value ofcredit menu button 110 c, a set value of credit menu setup screen 160(FIG. 10) is displayed. By selecting a coinless coin-op menu button (notshown), a coinless coin-op setup screen 180 (FIG. 10) is displayed.

FIG. 4 is a screen shot of the options menu setup screen 120 arranged inaccordance with the preferred embodiments of the present invention. FIG.5 is a screen shot of the options menu setup screen of FIG. 4 with acoinless mode feature enabled. With the coinless mode feature enabled,the amusement device 36 can be operated without a currency acceptor 38.In the coinless mode, the user is prompted to accept billing via menuprompts and is billed separately, e.g., as an added line item on anoverall food and/or beverage check and the like.

FIG. 6 is a screen shot of the options menu setup screen 120 arranged inaccordance with the second preferred embodiment of the present inventionwith the rental mode enabled, i.e., where the block of time is grantedafter a payment or credit by the user. In the rental mode, the userdeposits money or applies credit or credits in advance to pre-purchaseor “rent”/“lease” time for using the amusement device 36.

FIG. 7 is a screen shot of a coinless mode setup screen 130 inaccordance with the preferred embodiments of the present invention. Thecoinless mode setup screen 130 is accessible from the coinless coin-opscreens. By selecting a set pin menu selection button 135, a set pinsetup screen 140 is displayed which allows the owner/operator to changean authorization pin number or password using an electronic keypad 142(FIG. 8).

FIG. 9 is a screen shot of a payment mode setup screen in accordancewith the first preferred embodiment of the present invention. Theamusement device 36 includes an operator adjustable software selectionfield 152 that adjusts the associated cost of the block of time. Whilethe block of time is shown in FIG. 9 as a non-adjustable field (i.e.,“15 Minutes”), the amusement device 36 also includes an operatoradjustable software selection field that allows adjustment of theduration of the block of time. The setup mode includes a softwareselection 166 for selecting between a per game mode (“GAME”), a firsttime based mode/a second time based mode (“TIME”) or both a per gamemode and a time based mode (“BOTH”). The first time based mode permitsthe controller U1 to grant the user the block of time in advance of apayment or a credit by the user, and the second time based mode permitsthe controller to grant the user the block of time only after a paymentor a credit by the user. Optionally, the amusement device may beconfigured to only function in one time based mode without the abilityto select between them and the per game mode, which may be required tocomply with state gaming regulations and the like.

FIG. 10 is a screen shot of the payment mode setup screen 160 inaccordance with the second preferred embodiment of the presentinvention. The owner/operator can set the number of minutes for eachrespective number of credits or monetary unit to thereby establish aratio of time duration per credit or monetary value.

Once the owner/operator has finished configuring the system parametersin the setup screens 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, etc., theowner/operator selects the exit button “X” to return to the operatingscreens (FIGS. 11-19).

During normal operation, the amusement device 36 displays an attractscreen (not shown) which may show demonstrations of games oradvertisements and the like. When a user desires to play the amusementdevice 36, the user touches the input device, or in this example, thetouchscreen display 37. Upon touching the touchscreen display 37, a usermessage screen 200 (FIG. 11) is displayed. The user message screen 200may instruct the user to request an attendant's assistance.Alternatively, the screen may already be authorized so that a user canbegin playing without an attendant's assistance, e.g., “Please call anattendant to get started.” The attendant then selects an options menubutton 202 in order to display an attendant reset screen 210 (FIG. 12).The attendant can then select a “RESET” pushbutton in order to clear anyprevious balance that had been accrued in the amusement device fromprevious users. A balance indicator 211 displays the current amount owed($2.50 in FIG. 12). The attendant is prompted to enter a pin or passwordin the onscreen keypad 212 (FIG. 13) in order to effectuate the reset.The balance is then reset to zero as shown in the balance indicator 21($0.00 in FIG. 13). The attendant then selects a menu screen selectionbutton 209 in order to request a user options menu screen 220 (FIG. 14).

FIG. 14 shows the user options screen 220. The user options screen 220includes a plurality of menu buttons 220 a-220 f including a price menubutton 220 a, a hi-scores menu button 220 b, a credit acknowledgementsmenu button 220 c, an about menu button 220 d, an announcements menubutton 220 e, a six star menu button 220 f and a coinless coin-op menubutton 220 g. When a user selects the coinless coin-op menu button 220g, a coinless coin-op screen 230 is displayed (FIGS. 15-16). FIG. 15shows that the time based mode is the only one configured, and FIG. 16shows that both the time based mode and the per game mode are configuredfor access. By selecting a start time mode button 235, the user acceptsthe terms and is permitted to play as many games as they wish during ablock of time. Alternatively, the user can select a per-game modepushbutton 237. Once one of the selections has been made, a user mainmenu screen 240 (FIG. 17) is displayed which allows the user to selectbetween a plurality of games such as puzzles, cards, quiz and wordgames, strategy games, head to head games (multiplayer competition),sports games and the like. A time remaining/balance indicator 243 showsthe unused time remaining (i.e., “14:55” minutes in FIG. 17). FIG. 18 isanother screen shot of the user main menu screen 240 where the timeremaining/balance indicator 243 is displaying the amount owed (i.e.,“$2.50”). FIG. 19 is a screen shot of a user options screen for endingplay in accordance with the preferred embodiments of the presentinvention. When the user wishes to end a block of time or the per gamemode, the user can select a user options button 249 which then displaysa user coinless coin-op options screen 250. By selecting a freeze button255, the amusement device 36 is essentially locked out until anattendant resets the machine. This feature protects a user who walksaway from the amusement device 36 from having others access theamusement device 36 and cause additional charges to accrue.

The present invention includes method of playing the amusement device 36as described above. The method includes granting a user a block of timefor accessing the amusement device 36; selecting and playing a firstgame from the plurality of games during the block of time; and selectingand playing a second game from the plurality of games that is differentthan the first game during the block of time. The controller U1 grantsthe user the block of time in advance of a payment by the user or grantsthe user the block of time only after a payment or a credit by the userdepending on how the setup mode is configured by the owner or operatorof the amusement device 36. As mentioned above, the amusement device 36includes a selector (check boxes on FIG. 6 and/or buttons on FIGS. 9-10)for selecting between a first mode, a second mode or both. The firstmode permits the controller U1 to grant the user the block of time inadvance of a payment by the user and the second mode permits thecontroller to grant the user the block of time only after a payment or acredit by the user. Optionally, the controller is configured to promptthe user to purchase another block of time just before the block of timeelapses.

The present invention also includes another method of playing theamusement device 36 as described above. The method includes providingthe amusement device 36 an authorization to grant a user a block of timefor accessing the amusement device 36; granting the user the block oftime; selecting and playing a first game from the plurality of gamesduring the block of time; selecting and playing a second game from theplurality of games that is different than the first game during theblock of time; and allowing the user to continue playing the second gameuntil the second game ends even after the block of time has elapsed.

From the foregoing it can be seen that the present invention comprisesan amusement device having time-based operating modes. It will beappreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made tothe embodiments described above without departing from the broadinventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that thisinvention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but itis intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of thepresent invention as defined by the appended claims.

1. An amusement device having a display and an input device, theamusement device comprising: (a) a memory that stores a plurality ofgames and a system control program; and (b) a controller operativelycoupled to the memory, the input device and the display, the controllercontrolling the display based upon the system control program retrievedfrom the memory and based upon inputs from the input device, thecontroller being configured to: (i) grant a user a block of time foraccessing the amusement device; (ii) permit the user to selectivelyretrieve from the memory and play a first game from the plurality ofgames during the block of time; and (iii) permit the user to selectivelyretrieve from the memory and play a second game from the plurality ofgames that is different than the first game during the block of time. 2.The amusement device of claim 1, wherein the controller grants the userthe block of time in advance of a payment or a credit by the user. 3.The amusement device of claim 2, wherein the controller must receive anauthorization prior to granting the block of time.
 4. The amusementdevice of claim 3, wherein the authorization is one of a pin code entry,card code data, a network signal and a remote control signal.
 5. Theamusement device of claim 1, wherein the amusement device includes anoperating mode and a setup mode, when the operating mode is selected, auser is selectively permitted to play games, and when the setup mode isselected, an operator is permitted to make system setup adjustments. 6.The amusement device of claim 5, wherein the setup mode includes asoftware selection for selecting between a first time based mode and asecond time based mode, the first time based mode permitting thecontroller to grant the user the block of time in advance of a paymentor a credit by the user, and the second time based mode permitting thecontroller to grant the user the block of time only after a payment or acredit by the user.
 7. The amusement device of claim 1, wherein thecontroller grants the user the block of time only after a payment or acredit by the user.
 8. The amusement device of claim 1, wherein thedisplay is a touchscreen video display.
 9. The amusement device of claim1, further comprising: (c) a software selection for selecting between afirst mode and a second mode, the first mode permitting the controllerto grant the user the block of time in advance of a payment or a creditby the user, and the second mode permitting the controller to grant theuser the block of time only after a payment or a credit by the user. 10.The amusement device of claim 1, further comprising: (c) an operatoradjustable software selection field that adjusts the duration of theblock of time.
 11. The amusement device of claim 1, further comprising:(c) an operator adjustable software selection field that adjusts theassociated cost of the block of time.
 12. The amusement device of claim1, further comprising at least one of a currency acceptor and a cardreader.
 13. The amusement device of claim 1, wherein the input device isone of a touchscreen, a touchpad, a trackball, a mouse, a joystick, afoot-pedal, a voice-recognition system, a keypad and a keyboard.
 14. Anamusement device having a display and an input device, the amusementdevice comprising: (a) a memory that stores a plurality of games and asystem control program; and (b) a controller operatively coupled to thememory, the input device and the display, the controller controlling thedisplay based upon the system control program retrieved from the memoryand based upon inputs from the input device, the controller beingconfigured to: (i) grant a user a block of time for accessing theamusement device; (ii) permit the user to selectively retrieve from thememory and play a first game from the plurality of games during theblock of time; and (iii) permit a user to selectively retrieve from thememory and play a second game from the plurality of games that isdifferent than the first game during the block of time; and (c) aselector for selecting between a first mode and a second mode, the firstmode permitting the controller to grant the user the block of time inadvance of a payment or a credit by the user and the second modepermitting the controller to grant the user the block of time only aftera payment or a credit by the user.
 15. A method of playing an amusementdevice having a display, an input device, a memory that stores aplurality of games and a system control program, and a controlleroperatively coupled to the memory, the input device and the display, thecontroller controlling the display based upon the system control programretrieved from the memory and based upon inputs from the input device,the method comprising: (a) granting a user a block of time for accessingthe amusement device; (b) selecting and playing a first game from theplurality of games during the block of time; and (c) selecting andplaying a second game from the plurality of games that is different thanthe first game during the block of time.
 16. The method of claim 15,wherein the controller grants the user the block of time in advance of apayment by the user.
 17. The method of claim 15, wherein the controllergrants the user the block of time only after a payment or a credit bythe user.
 18. The method of claim 15, wherein the amusement devicecomprises a selector for selecting between a first mode and a secondmode, the first mode permitting the controller to grant the user theblock of time in advance of a payment by the user and the second modepermitting the controller to grant the user the block of time only aftera payment or a credit by the user.
 19. The method of claim 15, whereinthe controller is configured to prompt the user to purchase anotherblock of time just before the block of time elapses.
 20. A method ofplaying an amusement device having a display, an input device, a memorythat stores a plurality of games and a system control program, and acontroller operatively coupled to the memory, the input device and thedisplay, the controller controlling the display based upon the systemcontrol program retrieved from the memory and based upon inputs from theinput device, the method comprising: (a) providing the amusement devicean authorization to grant a user a block of time for accessing theamusement device; (b) granting the user the block of time; (b) selectingand playing a first game from the plurality of games during the block oftime; (c) selecting and playing a second game from the plurality ofgames that is different than the first game during the block of time;and (d) allowing the user to continue playing the second game until thesecond game ends even after the block of time has elapsed.
 21. Anamusement device having a display and an input device, the amusementdevice comprising: (a) a memory that stores a plurality of games and asystem control program; and (b) a controller operatively coupled to thememory, the input device and the display, the controller controlling thedisplay based upon the system control program retrieved from the memoryand based upon inputs from the input device, the controller beingconfigured to: (i) grant a user a block of time for accessing theamusement device; (ii) permit the user to selectively retrieve from thememory and play a first game from the plurality of games during theblock of time; and (iii) allow the user to continue to play the firstgame continuously until the block of time expires.